On Friday, Feb. 19, I received a notification from Twitter informing me that a few of the accounts I follow were tweeting #FreeKesha. Kesha is an artist that I had first discovered in my middle school years. Her look was bold. Her lyrics were daring. And, Ke$ha, as she was formerly known, wasn’t afraid to defy the odds and get called out for doing so.

Since then, Ke$ha has completely cleaned up her act, going so far as dropping the dollar sign out of her name and becoming “Kesha.” #FreeKesha surely couldn’t have meant the artist had done something bad.

Kesha hadn’t done anything bad to warrant the hashtag. In fact, she tried to do something good for herself.

That Friday, Kesha was denied the ability to be released from her contract with Dr. Luke, her producer whom she has accused of taking advantage of her. An article, “Kesha denied preliminary injunction in case involving Dr. Luke,” on Entertainment Weekly’s website said, “Kesha has accused Dr. Luke of ‘sexual and drug related’ assault, according to a statement she made in an August 2015 affidavit obtained by EW.” The article also states that Kesha accused Dr. Luke of giving her a “sober pill,” which made her black out after only having “a few drinks.”

Reading more into this case, I found out from multiple sources that because the release was denied, Kesha would have to make six more albums for Dr. Luke. She would have to make six more albums with a man who she claims has taken advantage of her.

The old image of “Ke$ha” is pure party-girl, but that does not necessarily mean that is who she is now, or even who she was at the time. All it is is an image – a foot in the door into Hollywood.

Not all of Kesha’s music is centered around the party-girl image. Some of Kesha’s demos and newer songs try to break free of this image. “I’m The One” was a demo that Kesha recorded early on in her career. This is a tamer song that uses organic instrumentals. The song sounds slower and natural, with hints of country sounds. Her voice is raw and not auto-tuned. I think it’s the best song Kesha has ever sung. It is a wonderful depiction of her softer side that the public cannot always see.

Regardless of her reputation, no person should feel as though they were taken advantage of or assaulted by another.

Speaking out about an issue like this is not easy whatsoever. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), an anti-violence organization, “68 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police” and “98 percent of rapists will never spend a day in jail.” With numbers like that, it is no wonder why victims are hesitant to report being taken advantage of.

It takes courage and bravery to speak up about a sexual assault. Since the court ruling, Kesha has gained a lot of support from fans and peers. #FreeKesha was born out of the support.

Halsey, who is new on the music scene, Tweeted on Feb. 19, “Disgusted by anyone in power positions abusing their authority. My heart breaks for Kesha and all people affected by this toxicity…”

Lady Gaga, who has recently released a song about rape, Tweeted on that same day, “There are people all over the world who love you @KeshaRose. And I can say truly I am in awe of your bravery.”

Other celebrities who showed their support for Kesha include Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Lorde, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and many more. There is even a website for the cause: freekesha.com. This website asks people to show their support by signing a petition and spreading the word about the trial and its ruling. The support people are showing for Kesha is truly amazing.

While what Kesha is saying about Dr. Luke are just allegations for now, no one is questioning it. Out of all the post-trial pictures, there is one that resonates with me the most.

In an article, “Kesha sobs as judge refuses to cancel contract with producer Dr. Luke who allegedly raped her in 2006,” on nydailynews.com, there is a picture of Kesha sobbing in the courtroom. It looks like the kind of sobbing that comes after something so hurtful, so unbelievable that you can’t even breathe. The picture gives readers a look into Kesha’s truest thoughts and feelings about the ruling.

Kesha has so much to lose by making accusations that aren’t true. She already has the fame, the fortune, the life. She would have nothing to gain by creating lies. So many people who don’t even know Kesha believe what she is saying is true. They feel her pain and hear her cry for help. They want her to be free to make the music she wants in a safe, positive environment, away from someone she says took advantage of her.

Kesha is incredibly strong and brave for speaking up. Hopefully she will be able to create music once again.